Cavaliers Cricket Club, Colchester, Essex, England

11 May 2010

Vision of the Future

The weather was foul; wet and cold but the Cavaliers were hungry for cricket after the mysterious cancellation by Tendring and the rained off Cup tie so with a positive forecast Phil, Robbie and Simon set about erecting Phil's tent to serve as makeshift pavilion. It was great to have both teams sharing a common home, something to look forward to when the new pavilion is complete.

The Bentley players seemed somewhat surprised at prospect of starting on time but were encouraged by winning the toss and asking Cavaliers to bat first. Jack and Simon opened up against the Fowler brothers determined to set a good platform and were pleasantly surprised that the bounce of the wicket was true and didn't pose too many problems. A slow first five overs was an acceptable price for holding wickets in hand and before long the runs started to flow. The curse of Jack's parents struck once again as he fell trying to drive a slow delivery shortly before his guests arrived but Danny and Simon set about attacking the change bowlers and the run rate was soon rattling along, Burbridge and Fowler Snr suffering the most. Simon clocked up his hundred well before the end but fell trying in vain to push the score along as the opening bowlers returned. Danny closed just short of a half-century having selflessly concentrated on feeding the strike to Simon. A total of 208 was well beyond expectations at the start of the innings.

The Bentley reply started with a family affair, Rod Fowler becoming Stuart's first victim bowled with a typical inswinger. The young Fowlers attempted to run the Cavaliers ragged but time and runs were on our side and it was not long before impatience got the better and both fell in quick succession. A flurry of wickets, mostly to Ray who ended with 5-25, was broken by a late rally but the result was never in much doubt.